In the first review of my James Bond series I will review the first Bond film I ever saw and one that to me is very important in Bond’s storied history

In 1995 the James Bond franchise began a new era in its illustrious history as Pierce Brosnan made his debut as everyone’s favourite MI6 agent in Goldeneye.

The 80’s had been a torrid time for the franchise with Timothy Dalton failing to make any sort of lasting impressions as the martini drinking superspy in The living daylights and A license to kill and Roger Moore bowing out in dreadful fashion with the release of both A view to a kill and the equally dreadful Octopussy.

The release of these four films left many Bond fans wondering whether the end was nigh and whether James Bond should finally hand in his license to kill and spend the rest of his days living out on an island swigging Vodka Martinis and bedding beautiful women.

Then alas Goldeneye was there to save the day. Arguably the best Bond film of the modern era Goldeneye had it all. A fantastic plot, wonderful action sequences, some very lovely females and a fantastic villain portrayed by Sean Bean.

Growing up in the late 90’s Goldeneye was the film that initially caught my imagination and sparked my interest in Bond and to this day I still believe it is one of the best outings.

The film opens with a fantastic action sequence in which we witness the supposed death of Alec Trevelyan aka 006, following this we then witness one of the most surreal opening credit sequences in the history of Bond which for me sets the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable movie.

Lined with a star studded cast including Robbie Coltrane and dame Judi Dench the film was never likely to fail. Then there’s Mr Bond in himself, Pierce Brosnan finally brought back some of the charisma and charm that had seriously been lacking when Timothy Dalton had the role and was very impressive in his debut role.

Overall this was the film that ultimately saved the franchise, bringing back some prestige to one of Britain’s most treasured cinematic heroes. A very important movie in the Bond series and one that I would definitely recommend.

Rating: **** (out of five)

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